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Student Spotlight – Bennett Surrett

Bennett Surrett

Hometown:

  •  Hartsville, SC

High School Graduation Year:

  • 2019 

Degrees:

  • BS, Paper Science and Engineering, 2022
  • BS, Chemical Engineering, 2022

Work Experience:

  •  Dole Fresh Vegetables, Bessemer City, NC Summer 2022
  • Sonoco Products, Holyoke, MA Summer 2021
  • Undergraduate Research with NCSU Department of FB Summer 2020
  • International Paper, Mansfield, LA Fall 2020

Why did you choose Paper Science and Engineering (PSE)?

  • I was introduced to the PSE Program my senior year of High School and I fell in love with the program. I came from a small high school and was a little nervous coming to such a large university, however the tight-knit community that PSE provided was something that I knew I could rely on during my adjustment to college. I also knew of the reputation that the department had at producing industry ready engineers which is one big reason why I chose PSE.

What is your favorite thing about NC State?

  • My favorite thing about NC State would have to be the opportunities it has given me. I don’t think I would be where I am today without the guidance I have received from professors or the friends that I have made along the way, all possible from the opportunities from NCSU.

What is your favorite thing about Paper Science and Engineering?

  • My favorite thing about PSE is how supportive everyone is and even though there is competition between your peers, it’s very healthy and makes you want to succeed.

What advice would you offer to an incoming freshman?

  • If you are interested or passionate about something, get involved early on in your college career because it is only going to get harder to start participating once your course load gets more difficult..

What is your favorite Extra-Curricular Activity? 

  • Dr. Byrd preached early on to learn how balancing school with extra-curricular activities is very important in becoming a dynamic student as well as engineer. NC State allowed me to meet other musicians and honestly just being involved in the NC State/Raleigh music scene has to be my favorite. Having this escape has allowed me to take a break from my, at times, overwhelming course load.

Who has been your favorite professor or staff?

  • Has to have been Dr. Jameel, for sure. He makes class so interesting and actually cares about you learning the material. He also teaches it in a way that is very useful and easily applied to the industry. If you get the chance to meet him, you’ll understand.